jamesenstein31 wrote:
I thought THEATRE OF BLOOD was funnier, but DR. PHIBES is the creepier one. I love em both, though.
That's weird I think Phibes is funnier, and meant to be funnier (all that business with the cops) and Theater is grimier, more tragic, heavier (not that it isn't also funny, which it is.)
Also in Theater Unca Vinnie gets more lines, which is to its benefit, and why I think Price was able to give a better performance - but also if you like theater or Shakespeare you are bound to enjoy Theater more than if you don't. Phibes could almost be a silent film (is the name Phibes derived from Philbin?) If you are more visual you probably like Phibes (not that music does not make a good contribution to it, but there is barely a verbal performance from Price.)

Anyway both are great, I just saw Phibes last night again inspired by this discussion. Clearly the origin of Se7en and Saw, but in turn clearly based on Phantom of the Opera. We don't need a Phibes remake, Se7en and Saw have already gone there, and the sequel Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972) was already a remake.


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George Lucas as quoted by Harlan Ellison's WATCHING